"With the people of that age the value of things was estimated by outward show. As religion had declined in power, it had increased in pomp. The educators of the time sought to command respect by display and ostentation. To all this the life of Jesus presented a marked contrast. His life demonstrated the worthlessness of those things that men regarded as life's great essentials. The schools of His time, with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of things great, He did not seek. His education was gained from Heaven- appointed sources, from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures, from nature, and from the experiences of life— God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart. MH 400.1"
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
The EGW passage contrasts the outward show of the religious leaders with Jesus's simple life and education, which aligns with the theme of 1 Corinthians 1:27 where God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Both passages highlight a rejection of worldly values in favor of God's wisdom.
"“The Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40 . MH 400.2"
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
Ellen White directly references Luke 2:40 in this passage.
"Thus prepared, He went forth to His mission, in every moment of His contact with men exerting upon them an influence to bless, a power to transform, such as the world had never witnessed. MH 400.3"
"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
Both passages describe Jesus's ministry as one of blessing and transformation, empowered by God. The EGW passage echoes the description of Jesus 'doing good' and exerting a powerful influence, as described in Acts 10:38.
"The home is the child's first school, and it is here that the foundation should be laid for a life of service. Its principles are to be taught not merely in theory. They are to shape the whole life training. MH 400.4"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in Proverbs 22:6 about the importance of early childhood training in shaping a life of service. Both emphasize the home as the primary place for this foundation.